Similar to what was indicated in an old WSJ report, Google is reportedly planning to revamp the Nexus program. Unlike until now, any manufacturer would now be a part of Nexus program, given they adhere to the program conditions.
According to a report in Android & Me, in order to be a part of Google Nexus program, the manufacturer must use stock Android and provide 64 MB of secure memory for media streaming. They can however provide custom UI skins, but as a part of a new “customization center,” which is a big highlight of upcoming Android 4.2.
The devices should also be future proof to support the next Android version.
Given that Nexus program is undergoing change, we can expect multiple Nexus smartphones this year.
Android & Me further claims that as previously rumoured, LG is indeed making a Nexus smartphone this year and it might be dubbed as LG Optimus G Nexus, cementing the past rumours of LG Optimus G being the base for next Nexus phone.
Android Customisation Center
The upcoming Android 4.2 is reportedly not a major Android version release, but it packs one ace in the form of customisation center, which also solves the problem that we feared with the launch of multiple Nexus devices.
The customisation center will allow the Nexus smartphone makers to indirectly provide distinctions with other Nexus devices, which would not have been possible if there were no customisations with stock Android.
While the details on customisation center are scant, it is expected to provide themes, extra widgets, profiles and other similar stuff. It might also include option to add features like Smart Stay as other customisations.
It will allow manufacturers to push Android updates faster, as rather than making system wide changes, they will just have to support the Android framework and make the customisation compatible with next Android version.
The customisation center will also be good for users, who don’t like every single one of customisation thrown at them by the manufacturers and they will now be able to pick and choose the ones they want.
Next Nexus smartphone (s)
As we have already stated previously, they one of the upcoming Nexus smartphones is LG built – Optimus Nexus or Optimus G Nexus. As Optimus G packs 1.5GHz S4 Pro quad-core processor, 4.7-inch 720p display, 32GB internal storage, and 2100 mAh battery. We can hope to similar specs in the Nexus version of this phone. It is reportedly going to be announced at a press event in early-November.
The other phones that have been rumoured are from HTC and Samsung. Codenamed HTC DIx , the HTC Nexus 5 smartphone is expected to feature a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5Ghz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
There have been no clear leaks regarding Samsung built Nexus.
Android 4.2
Apart from the Android customisation center that we have already talked about, Android 4.2 is also rumoured to feature improved power management and new version of the Google Play. Android 4.2 will also show homescreens as tabs unlike the current layout. More details are expected in the days to come, as Andy Rubin is expected to reveal Android 4.2 at AllThingsD Dive into Mobile conference, which is happening on October 29-30, 2012.
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